Quechee Gorge, Vermont
“VERMONT’S LITTLE GRAND CANYON”
December 12, 2022
25 degrees out on a Sunday Afternoon.
The gorge is 165 feet deep and is the deepest gorge in Vermont. It serves as a popular tourist attraction in Quechee State Park and can be viewed from the US Route 4 bridge and from a trail.
I was unable to finish the trail due to safety issues. I was the only person walking the trail, and it was freezing and windy as far as I remember.
I spent about 3 hrs meditating, enjoying the scenery and dreaming. I Enjoyed every bit of it, and I will for surely come back to finish the trail someday.
October 17, 2022. Rainy Monday.
Fall 2022
It is really hard to tell how many years I have dreamt of this exact moment. This view. The foliage. I remember day dreaming of this exact moment even when I was living in Texas. I waited for this moment. Missed the peak I’m maybe a week or two late as the leaves have already fallen but everything is still incredibly breathtaking. It was peaceful, quiet, just enjoying the wind, the birds chirping, the rain. With all the chaos going on in the world, I still manage to pursue dreams.
I hope you enjoy the photos as much as I enjoyed taking them. Thank you 🙏🏾
10/2018
Fall Season
Life should not only be lived, it should be celebrated. I'm glad I spent my birthday with my best friends in this paradise.
Spent the night at Yosemite village, gaze at the stars, leaves falling, listened to the sound of the water falls, enjoyed the perfect weather. Hiked the Vernal Falls. It was perfect day to celebrate life. Yosemite always amazes me, definitely my favorite national park. There’s always something new here that I wont get tired seeing.
And I will see you again Yosemite.
Camera: Samsung S9+
9/2022 Last Week of Summer
New Hampshire
Mt. Washington in New Hampshire is the highest mountain in Northeastern United States and it’s famed for its extreme weather.
I definitely had fun. Perfect clear weather yesterday and crazy! It is still summer, but it was 40 degrees up there. I want to hike the trail someday from down to the top. Maybe. Lol. I mean why hike when you can ride the train up. Minimal effort same views. Lol
The train ride was fun, great sceneries on the way up. It was running at 10miles per hour and it’s an hour and a half ride to the top. It’s also the world first cog railway.
Everything is here to rejoice the soul…
summer warmth… fresh salt tang from the sea…
The reddest of sunsets, and unforgettable pictures
from any height of granite rock.
- Freeman Tilden, The National Parks.
4th oj July Weekend 2022
Acadia National Park, Maine
Drove myself from Nashua, New Hampshire to Maine. It only took me Four Hours and thirty minutes to get to the main entrance of Acadia National Park. The drive were scenic and beautiful. I will do it over again.
The park was different from other parks Ive been. Pine trees right up to the ocean! It’s perfect summer weather, sea breeze, granite rocks, beautiful sea shore. Breathtaking. Everything is green and wild flowers everywhere.
Did hike Beehive Trail, Precipice Trail, Jordan pond trail in a day by myself. No regrets. Met people with similar interests and actually added each other on socila medias.
Boston, Massachusetts
October 28, 2022
Fall
My first visit to Boston was winter of 2018, mid January. I was captured of how beautiful the city is and told myself one day I will live here. Someday I will. Sometimes all we can do is dream every day. 🙂
Boston is one of the US most beautiful cities. Boston is way better, cleaner and just more pleasant than any other big cities.
I love everything about Boston. I love the seafood! Growing up eating mostly seafood back home, I can say that Boston knows how to do it right! I love the industrial and rustic old area in downtown. The night lights of the city are spectacular!
I always look forward to go to concerts in Boston. Always a fun crowd. People are very welcoming and friendly.
PS: I revisited my favorite restaurants in Boston. Uni, Neptune and Tatte are my favorites up to this date. :)
Boston will always have a special place in my heart.
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRxYypEX/
Downtown Portland, Maine
Fall 2022
37- 40 °C
A wonderful stroll right on the water with tons of great shops and great seafood restaurants. The brick walls, cobblestone sidewalks, light houses were all charming. Old port is such a beautiful town with beautiful architecture. Very picturesque.
Seafoods are amazing! Lobsters at its finest. I ordered lobsters everywhere I went and I will be back for more!
Really enjoyed the city, the people, the music, the weather, the breeze. Haven’t felt so alive in a long time. Life is short. Make the best out it 🙂
www.arkeeblu.net
I was speechless. This is one of the most beautiful scenery I’ve seen my whole life. My friend took me to the headlight around noon and I had decided to wait and watch the beauty of it until the sunset. Too bad the park closed before the sunset and we had to leave. Still great experience nonetheless.
Portland is one city I want to go back soon! Lots of seafoods, beautiful sceneries, downtown is yet to explore and lots of hotties etc. :p
Bass Harbor Headlight, Maine
Acadia National Park, Maine
4th of July Weekend 2022
Waited for the perfect time. Igot there 2 hours before the sunset to get a parking. I waited till the perfect moment. I literally just layed my bag down, put my shades on, looked up to the sky, felt the breeze, inhaled and exhaled the smell of sea water, listened to some great uplifting music while waiting for the perfect sunset.
Everything was perfect.
2/2023
Attended my friend’s wedding in Novasota, California, it’s about 30 minutes from San Francisco. I only have 6 hours to explore San Francisco before the wedding - and I did not waste any minute of it.
Life is too short to sit in hotel waiting for your friends to get married. :p
June 2022 SUMMER TIME
Franconia Notch National Park.
Recently got my heart broken. Living alone and living in a new state for my new work assignment. Planned on driving to Rhode Island today but woke up and just decided to detour to this beautiful state park.
I went by myself, and it was great! I have enjoyed every bit of it. Sometimes it’s better to do things alone and have some time to yourself to think and clear your mind.
Left the house at 0600 am and took me an hour and thirty minutes to get to the entrance of Franconia Notch State Park. It was perfect timing, not too crowded in an early Saturday morning.
The hike was rocky and steep. It rained all week, so the hike is a little muddy and slippery. But the view is worth it! This is an easy hike even for a beginner who don't really hike.
I can imagine when all the greens turn yellow and orange. I will definitely go back during fall season!
8/2022
Finally got to meet my college bestie after few years and had to recreate a photo we do every time we meet. (Check blog)
Drove to Rhode Island and took ferry to Block Island. Block island is beautiful. We explored the island by bike and I almost died, not because I get hit by a car but because I don’t know how to ride a bike. Lol.
“Livin' life in color
Everything around me looks so beautiful and sweet
Heavenly desire
Everything's so bright, it's like a brand new movie scene
All the immersive colors
Picture perfect
Vibrant gainless paradise
And the world keeps goin' 'round
I feel good
When there's a million stars in the sky
I feel good
When the sun is shining so bright
I feel good, yeah
When the world keeps goin' 'round
Goin' 'round
I feel good”
This describes the feeling at Bar Harbor. I’m happy and yet felt lonely the same time. Missing someone and wishing he was here with me.
4th of July weekend 2022
February 2023
Flew from Pittsburgh PA to San Francisco California for my friend’s wedding. Made me realize with all the traveling that I do, California is beautiful in so many ways. I am looking forward on taking an assignment in California soon!
6/2017 Photos shot with Samsung S8+
We have nothing to lose and a world to see. This trip has tested our resiliency and yes we were up for the challenge and survived.
Got a speeding ticket, friend lost her phone, car broke down & had to wait 5 hrs in the middle of nowhere at night waiting for rescue. No phone signals. Road closed from our cabin to the main entrance, so instead of 45 mins travelling time, we have to go around & drive 4 hrs and 55 minutes to get to the entrance. When we got there, there's 3 hrs delay cause parking was full. Then it rained. Felt like nothing really is going right in this trip. We tried to be as positive as we can and just pulled the trigger.
Sometimes you just have to see the glass half full then fill it the rest of the way. We had fun and that's what mattered.
I'm not done with you yet. I'm coming back soon Yosemite National Park.
Snow-Filled Holiday in Aspen!
December 27 to 30, 2021
Aspen, Colorado is a dream come true. This place is dreamy, charming, romantic, magical and I have been dreaming to see this beautiful town for the longest time. My dreams of white Christmas this year became a reality. ❤️🎄❄️🌧
Summer 2022
July 2022
Its 106 degrees Fahrenheit
I’ve been to San Antonio so many times and I have never appreciated it until this day. San Antonio is full of history and historical buildings.
I may find a travel assignment here one day.
"The rock your standing on may seem solid...but there could be nothing underneath you to hold you up. Always be aware of your footing."
Shot with Samsung S7 edge
Pretty majestic place. Freezing cold but worth the hike. What a great day to start 2018
January 1, 2018
Photos taken from Samsung S8+
8/2021
"... the most luxuriant and the most extravagantly beautiful of all the alpine gardens I ever beheld in all my mountain-top wanderings." - John Muir, conservationist, 1889.
This Mt. Rainier National Park trip in Washington is definitely one for the books! We hiked Skyline trail and Fremont lookout trail, total of 11.3 miles, took us about 7.5 hrs hike both trails.
Absolutely breathtaking. One of the nicest and stunning trails I ever hiked on. There's something about the different kinds of wildflowers all throughout the hike that made Skyline trail special. The view is beyond words. I wish I have alloted more time to spend in here.
(All pictures taken from my Samsung Galaxy S20 )
August 2019
My Mom once told me "Keep chasing your dream no matter how impossible your dream is, someday you'll get there and live it if this dream were meant for you. " I spent the weekend with my Mom and Sister chasing dreams. Been dreaming of seeing Mcway falls and Big Sur so we drove along the scenic Pacific Coast Highway and finally saw Big Sur.
✅ bucketlist ✅
Photos taken from Samsung s9+
September 2017
Made a quick flight booking after a friend invited to Chicago for the weekend. One day before the trip, my friend cancelled and bailed on me. But hey I got no problem with that! We are still friends hahaha! Chicago is on my bucket list for this year anyway!
I traveled the city alone. If nobody wants to go then just go by yourself. Never allow WAITING to become a habit otherwise you will be waiting forever and will never get to places you've always dreamed of. Live your dreams and take risks. Life is happening now!
May 2018
Don't wait til 60 to see the world. Life isn't a promise, neither is your health and world as it is. Do it while young and able.
We Missed on going flight for the very first time, then missed another flight. Paid way more extra to just get in the flight. Shit happened but hey no regret every thing is part of our story that we will never forget. Now please give me the refund. lol
Camera: Samsung S8+
January 2019
Better to see something once than to hear about it a thousand times. Visited the stunning Boston, Massachusetts. I fell in love with the city. Rising out of deep freeze every morning to utilize public transportation, as I believed that you will never understand a city without using public transportation system.
I got to experience both the sunny part and the snowing part in Boston. Lakes are frozen, the benches too!
Visited Beacon Hill the most picturesque area and Acorn Street the most photographed street in the US. Did the Trolley hop on hop off city tour. Pretty much visited the whole city attractions.
I love the food, the people, and every single thing about Boston. Will definitely come back!
Unbelievable. Breathtakingly beautiful. I'm still in awe.
1/2/2018
Samsung S8+
Summer July 2018
Every time I stand before a beautiful beach, its waves seem to whisper to me: If you choose the simple things and find joy in nature's simple treasures, life and living need not be so hard.
I’m alive again.
Photo taken from Samsungs 9+
6/2019
Austin City is inspiring! This is my third visit here, always amazes me. Great food for meat lovers and vegans, music everywhere as in they blocked the whole street for music, endless watering holes, great craft wines and beers, best Texas bbqs, thriving art scenes murals everywhere, great outdoor activities where you get to see good looking shirtless people day and night :plol. This city promotes healthy life style!
This city live their slogan "Keep city of Austin weird". Its so much fun!
There's so much to do and see in this city so me and my friend just decided to just chill, relax, enjoy food, have some drinks, and just enjoy the weekend.
Hamilton Pool Preserve
Hidden Pool
December 2017
It's gorgeous! Everyone should see this place at least once. Its about 45 minute drive from Austin, Texas. The hike is easy only 0.25 miles. No sweat! The only challenging part is the water is too cold! We couldn't swim (well we didn't really planned on swimming lol).
I never thought that there will be a place like this in Texas. Truly a hidden gem of Texas.
Shot On:
Samsung S8 & IPhone X
Urban lights at Los Angeles County Museum of Art
Finally got a chance to see this amazing art. I lived in LA for about 5 years and never had a chance to see this. It was amazing. Made me realize that every moment of light and dark is a miracle. Seize every moment.
Great hike to the iconic Delicate Arch (Symbol of Utah State). Hike is a bit strenuous but the arch itself make it worthwhile. I'm glad I went to see this.
January 2, 2018
Photos Taken From Samsung S8+
10/2017
Dabbing in Miami, Florida while sipping coconut juice 😂 🌴 Someday I'll look back on this sh*t and smile because it was LIFE and I decided to live it.
Doing everything I can while young and able. I dont want to regret anything when I get sick, old or get married with 12 kids. Live in the moment! I may weeks behind summer season because my original trip was postponed due to hurricanes in Texas and Florida but its all cool - I enjoyed every single minute of it.
Miami got hit by... hurricane Irma (Category 5) couple of weeks ago and I'm glad they are recovering fast. Some of their main city parks and attractions are still closed and recovering. I'm glad to be able to visit and help some of them in my own way.
Visit Miami, Florida 🍍🌴🦎🌴🐢🌴🦀🌴🐌🌴🌻🌴🦂🌴🐍🌴🐢🌴🦈🌴🐋
WATCH VIDEO BLOG OF MY MIAMI TRIP CLICK HERE
Just checked off one Bucketlist ✔ I was just in awe all day. Definitely one of the wonders of the world. #NiagaraFalls
05/2018
Camera: Samsung S8+
December 2017
Austin, Texas
Living life at 120 MPH. Live your life to the fullest. Don't hold back!
Just checked one of the main bucket list. The experience eludes description. The free fall was the best part, but I enjoyed the entire experience. Will definitely do it again
Sorry for the face. LOL. It totally got rocked off when I jumped out of a plane from 10,000 feet in the air. :)
Surreal landscape. Hike is awesome. A great place to escape. Vacation is almost over but I'm ready and excited for what lies ahead. 2018. I'm ready for you
January 3, 2018
Photos taken From Samsung S8+
8/2016
One of the scariest warning I have ever had in my life was this one at The Narrows saying"Water levels can change without warning."
There's always a possibility of flash flooding at the Narrows! It’s really hard to understand just how quickly and how violently they come on. At one point water level is at your ankle, few steps forward the next thing you know its at the level of your chest.
Exciting? Maybe. Scary? Definitely!
But if you are scared to do everything, then you wont be able to do anything.
I'm glad we did it. And I'm ready for more.
-Arkee Blu
May 2017
Dab posing @ Brooklyn Bridge is kind of a challenge. 100 thousands of people cross this bridge everyday. I'm lucky to have a good friend who's quick enough to take this photo dab pose right after the bridge cleared out for 20 seconds.
This bridge is 134 years old, it is built in 1883. It is the first hybrid steel-wire suspension ever constructed.
Paradise is not some place you can look for, cause it's not where you go, it's how you feel for a moment in your life when you're a part of something, and if you find that moment... it lasts forever..
Here's a dab pose for y'all for my new found paradise.
I LOVE YOU CORON!
#gustoCORON #mahalCORON
COACHELLA 2018 Arts and Music festival is definitely one for the books! Doing crazy things while young and able. I dont want to wake up one day and wish that I should've done more. Living life to the fullest but being aware of my limitations.🌴😊
Camera: Samsung S8+
Angels Landing, Zion National Park, UTAH
As the saying goes. If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. I wouldn't be able to conquer Angel's Landing if without these two awesome friends.
We started the hike around 8:30 am and finished about 12:30 pm- breaks in between- lots of breaks lol..
After series of switchbacks, we finally reached the top of Angels Landing. This hike is not recommended for people with cardiovascular and respiratory problem.
Angels Landing Trail is one of the most famous and thrilling hikes in the national park system. ... Difficulty: Strenuous uphill hike, but hiking is on a well maintained trail.
Will definitely go back!
-Arkee Blu
Shot with Samsung S7
10/2018
Fall Season
Be Brave. Take Risks. Nothing can substitute experience.
I finally saw you glacier point! You are amazing!
03/2017
"Believe in yourself, take on your challenges, dig deep within yourself to conquer fears. Never let anyone bring you down. You got to keep going."
End of winter hike. Literally next day is first day of spring. I've been dreaming of visiting this place a while back. There's just something about the mountains, and the trees and everything in Colorado. I really feel like moving here for my next nursing Job.
PS: Shout out to Kali for her first hiking adventure ever! She definitely rocked the hike! :D
The General Sherman tree is 2,200 years old. Making it the oldest living thing alive in the world. Felt good to be back here after 8 years. This park became part of me somehow.
6/2017
May 2017
I walked back and forth on the busiest street of the USA, the Time Square. Explored the city utilizing confusing public transportations. This trip is a dream come true. The buildings reminded me of superhero movies I've watched in the past. I feel like Avenger Tower is just somewhere there.
Finally been able to see Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, Central Park, Empire State Building, Manhattan Bridge and a lot more as I have only seen them in TV Series like FRIENDS or HIMYM. Finally been able to eat New York's best pizzas and street hot dogs. It was all good!
Although the helicopter ride that I booked got postponed cause the weather was not on my side that day, I was able to enjoy New York every single minute of it. Life is good. We have to take every opportunity to rock out. These pictures and videos I took I may lose someday, but the memories and stories I had there I will remember it for the rest of my life.
July 2018
0930PM
”Downtown LA. Lights on buildings and makes me wonder. And in that moment, I swear we were infinite.”
Taken from Samsung S9+
December 2017
I'm absolutely amazed with this park. The Joshua trees were interesting (they only survive here) and it's the rock formations. My brother Hugo made this trip exceptional. We climbed the rock formations, got stuck in between rocks, tried climbing again. It was fun and awesome! I will definitely come back.
Photos taken from Samsung S8+
02/2017
Hiked to a hidden lake and meditated over the perfectly still and peaceful water. Listened to nature. Took a lot of selfies. Then jumped in for a swim. It was all worth it. Live your life to the fullest! Do whatever you NEED to do now so you can do whatever you WANT later.
OFF ROADING.
little dirt will never hurt.
10 / 2020
Simple birthday celebration in this tiny getaway house with friends that became family. Sometimes all you need is just simple retreat to yourself and unplugging yourself from the world.
01/2016
Started my 2016 visiting Washington. This trip is one of my favorites because I was totally free at this moment. Only few weeks after quitting my day job, just passed my RN exam, with no job, no worries, no commitments. I can stay whenever I want.
At this point, I had no idea what 2016 had in store for me, but I knew in myself that I was going to make the most of it.
And I did.
-Arkeeblu
Shot with Samsung S5
08/2016
The beauty of the Antelope Canyon.
Can't say anything. Let the picture speak for itself.
-Arkee Blu
02/2017
LIVE LIFE
Island Hopping. Canopy walk. Hiking. Zipline. Water falls diving and swimming.. Doing crazy things while young and able so I have something to smile about when I get old. #livelifetothefullest
Shot with Samsung S7 Edge, Go Pro Hero 5
Christimas 2016
Celebrated Christmas with Family in California.
Nothing should matter more than family. I will forever be thankful that I have such a good family.
*Shot with Samsung S7 Edge
07/2016
It only took one message to make this trip happen. Did some quick last minute booking, packed our bags the night before, and left right after work. Haha! Who cares? Just go!"
A stroll around The Mile High City (Denver.)
Dec 29-30 2021
Wearing mask, carrying a copy of my Covid vaccination card everywhere. I believe public safety is everyone’s responsibility. This state is stricter compared to Texas. Some or I must say most of the restaurants are still not 100% open to public, some restaurants and all the bars does not allow unvaccinated guests.
I really hope this pandemic will come to an end.
12/2020
New Orleans is like Paris but third world. The heart and cultural center of New Orleans is the French Quarter, high energy city, diverse architecture, music and street performers everywhere , missed jazz clubs and performance due to covid, dirty Bourbon street but fun, humble southern foods were topnotch - best fried chicken , fried okra’s and green tomatoes and amazing oysters!
02/2017
"The way to stay inspired and motivated is by doing what you like, doing what you love."
@Manila Ocean Park
10/2013
The busy streets of San Francisco. I used to love to take candid pics.
Shot with Canon Rebel XS
Gone are the days.
03/2013
08/ 2021
Pike Place Market is one of the most tourist-heavy attractions in Seattle, been here 3 times - and every time is a different experience. Smoked Salmon is my favorite to buy in this market. And oh man, the oysters were fucking good!
You can also find the first ever Starbucks here. Plan to run into crowds, especially during the weekend that's no reason to scratch it off your to-do list.
03/2015
Collect moments, not things.
I miss how easy to connect with nature in California. I will definitely find my way back home.
Shot with Samsung S5
11/2016
It’s never too late to become the person you could have been. I started tonight -I ignited my fire within, and did let my light shine. It was an amazing experience. I just checked another one in the bucket list
10 / 2021
Flew to Virginia to catch fall foliage and spend time with Andre. However going to Virginia, our plane had to do emergency landing and fucked up all my schedule. Flying back to Austin were also miserable as American Airline cancelled all of my flights and I was stucked at airport for a day. Definitely tested my patience and resiliency, had good times and bad times enjoying my free time at the airport and also frustrating moments.
Slept in the airport with other frustrated passenger trying to fly back to Austin, but I’m grateful for everything that happened. This experience taught me to be humble, give more and not be self centered and being at peace at my inner self. Anyway, it’s still a great visit, everything happens for a reason and everything that happens teaches us something.PS: Great Osyters! LOL
05/2013
Made a quick 2 day trip in San Diego. Enjoyed Sea World San Diego and Coronado Beach. One thing I remembered me and my friends promised that we will never go back there for some reason. LOL.
7/2016
Visited Disney World & Universal Studio Florida for the first time
I lived in Southern California so my 'home park' is the Anaheim Disneyland and California Adventure.
Disney World in Orlando is a larger version of Disney Land, it consumes much more land, but the rides in Magic Kingdom are similar with small variances. So, they have more space and a few different attractions versus Disneyland, BUT, the majority in Magic Kingdom is the same.
What surprised me is the other 3 parks of Disney World. The Epcot, Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios. What I love about Disney in general is that they do an incredible job of immersing you in another world.. Too bad I only scheduled one day for Disney and for sure it wasn't enough. Oh well at least I crossed out one in the bucket lists!
And yep I went by myself :D
UNIVERSAL STUDIO
Went to guest services to get this birthday button.. I was the only guest there at the moment and had a little talk with the manager. Manager asked me what I am celebrating and who am I celebrating with.. so I frankly answered that it was my birthday and I was there by myself.... He happily gave me a complimentary upgrade to express pass... I was able to ride every single ride in 2 parks with average waiting time of 2 mins every ride yayy!! I had so much fun in Universal Studio Florida Resort. Will definitely go back!
I have so many memories in this beach. Kayaking is one of my favorite outdoor activity. I wish I can go back to doing this every weekend.
I have lost count how many times I've been to this magical place. As far as I remember I go 1-3 times a year and always on my birthday. Thank God to my former work which is affiliated with Disney Land. I always get in free of charge. :)
ENJOY LIFE!
March 2016
Few weeks after me and my bud moved to Texas we drove 3 hours to San Antonio from Houston to meet our beloved friend who's visiting from California.
New in Texas, newly hired, riding Francis's new car, trying Texas worst barbecue, just roaming around, nothing fancy. Just enjoying each other's company.
Was blast.